Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino

Arsenal have made a deal with him a symbol Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, the report revealed.

The Gunners have been trying to bolster their midfield throughout the summer and are eyeing Merino after Euro 2024 is over, but talks with Sociedad over the 28-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract, have proved challenging.

Merino was left out of Sociedad's squad for their La Liga opener due to ongoing negotiations, however Athletic now report that the two clubs have finally agreed on terms.

Arsenal have agreed to pay an initial €33.5m (£28.4m), plus a further €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons, taking the total transfer fee to a possible €38.5m (£32.7m) .

Terms of a four-year contract, which includes an option for a further 12 months, have already been agreed between Arsenal and Merino, who turned 28 in June.

Merino already has Premier League experience under his belt. The midfielder joined Newcastle United on loan from Borussia Dortmund in the 2017/18 season and made 24 appearances in England's top flight, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

The Newcastle loan was made permanent the following summer but the Magpies opted to cash in and soon sold him to Sociedad in a deal worth €12 million.

Should his move to Arsenal go through as expected, Merino will become the third highest signing of the summer, behind goalkeeper David Raya and defender Riccardo Calafiori in terms of prices at the Emirates Stadium.

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